Eunique Jones' "Because of Them, We Can" Dream Wall at Leading Women Defined
Her campaign is connecting generations and teaching history.
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Kelly Rowland, Eunique Jones, Jeanette Jenkins - Eunique Jones has been inspiring countless youth since launching her "Because of Them, We Can" campaign in 2013 and connecting the next generation with the heroes who've helped pave their way. At the Leading Women Defined conference in Miami this week, Jones' Dream Wall helped to inspire all of us to continue doing good and to strive to be great role models for those who will rise up after us. (Photo: Vladimir Banjanac for BET)
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Because of Them, We Can Book - What started as an effort to build up the self-esteem of our children while fighting against stereotypes back in February 2013, quickly spilled long past Black History Month. The photographer's project soon developed into a movement that continues to this day. Her coffee table book of 365 photos depicting children as some of our most beloved icons will be available March 21. (Photo: Vladimir Banjanac for BET)
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Eunique Jones, Debra L. Lee - Eunique Jones launched the campaign after her second son was born and was initially inspired by Trayvon Martin's story. "I began to reflect on my sons and their promising future — specifically the opportunities they could pursue as a result of the progress and achievements made by individuals past and present. I also thought about the responsibility and, at times, the fear I carry as a mother raising Black boys." Here, BET's own Debra Lee takes a look through Jones' Dream Wall and poses with the creator. (Photo: Vladimir Banjanac for BET)
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Eunique Jones, Tonya Lewis Lee - The inspirational photographer poses alongside Tonya Lewis Lee at the Dream Wall installation during the Leading Women Defined conference in Miami. (Photo: Vladimir Banjanac for BET)
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Beverly Bond - Beverly Bond strikes a pose against a backdrop of children's photos depicting the adorable ones as well-known icons in the Black community. (Photo: Vladimir Banjanac for BET)
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Tai Beauchamp - There's no doubt attendees were inspired by this week's Leading Women Defined conference. Tai Beauchamp tweeted of her experience, "Loving being in this room filled with amazing women. So much inspiration & beauty in one space." (Photo: Vladimir Banjanac for BET)
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Anastasia Ali - Tatyana Ali's sister, Anastasia, was also on hand to celebrate Eunique Jones and her work. (Photo: Vladimir Banjanac for BET)
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Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton - Dr. Ingleton shows her support for the inspiring Dream Wall and Eunique Jones' "Because of Them, We Can" campaign. (Photo: Vladimir Banjanac for BET)
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Eunique Jones, Keisha Sutton - Eunique Jones is all smiles as she shows off her hard work at the Dream Wall installation during the Leading Women Defined conference. (Photo: Vladimir Banjanac for BET)
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Power in Pictures - Friends visit the Dream Wall and take a peek at the "Because of Them, We Can" coffee table book, which has an adorable boy (Eunique Jones' son) posing as Muhammad Ali on the cover. (Photo: Vladimir Banjanac for BET)
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Esi Eggleston Bracey - How many icons can you recognize on the Dream Wall installation? (Photo: Vladimir Banjanac for BET)
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Visually Stunning - Eunique Jones' Dream Wall was a hit at BET's Leading Women Defined conference in Miami this week. (Photo: Vladimir Banjanac for BET)
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Pay It Forward - The campaign not only provides inspiration, but it also gives back to other organizations in line with its mission like One Simple Wish and The Compound Foundation, both of which help youth in foster care. (Photo: Vladimir Banjanac for BET)
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Words to Inspire You - Guests browse through the "Because of Them, We Can" coffee table book full of striking photos of children depicting our most inspiring icons along with short bios of the personalities represented. (Photo: Vladimir Banjanac for BET)